Connected Europe: Addressing the weaponisation of digitalisation

It is time for Europe to come together to address how it will respond to digitalisation – not only the opportunities but the challenges and threats as well. In the context of the invasion of Ukraine, we must examine what strategies, regulations and legislative initiatives are necessary to tackle the growing threat of cyber-warfare and cybercrime. A number of ambitious programmes and initiatives are under way in Europe – at the level of the EU, national governments and involving cross-border, cross-sector alliances – that can contribute to reinforcing Europe’s digital security. This is a source of hope. But urgent, bold action is required from leaders and actors across all sectors, particularly in view of the Ukraine crisis, to deliver on these ambitious targets, ensure accountability and rise to the immense challenges that we face. If Europe shows leadership, strategy and global competitiveness, everyone stands to gain from it.

Connectivity can be source of support not only in the matters unfolding in Ukraine, but also across the rest of Europe. If we harness the potential of digital technology and connectivity effectively, we can maximise Europe’s future and make the digital decade a success. To achieve this, the public, private and civil society sectors must come together, through strong partnerships, to deliver a paradigm shift. We must ensure concrete measures are taken, such as implementing a regulatory framework that sets out a clear data lifecycle (from collection to deletion) which manages the critical free flow of data, but also that measures are taken to better manage Europeans’ relationship to – and trust in – digital, including around cybersecurity, disinformation, privacy and data protection.

This invitation-only dinner debate will be a future-focussed discussion using the insights of the Connected Europe report as a starting point to examine the policy environment at this critical time for international security and diplomacy. Participants will include key stakeholders and a cross-party group of key MEPs, providing an opportunity to contextualise specific recommendations based on the 2022 policy context and future outlook. This occasion will be an opportunity for participants to provide recommendations to inform effective policy, inspire bold action and contribute to realising our vision of a connected Europe.

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